News

Devils News

Devils make annual hospital visits

Pandolfo, Langenbrunner, Elias and Rolston with a young patient at Monday's visit to St. Barnabas Medical Center.

The Devils made their annual visits to the pediatric wards of New Jersey hospitals on Monday, continuing a holiday tradition that began with the team's Garden State arrival in 1982.

"I think it’s a good thing," said Devils leading scorer Zach Parise. "It’s good for our organization to be involved. You see these kids and some unfortunate things have happened to them. If you can make them smile or brighten up their day a little bit, it makes you feel really good."

Parise joined Andy Greene and Rod Pelley for a trip to Morristown Memorial, where one youngster gave each player a handmade thank you card.

"It’s tough for anyone, especially kids, to be in the hospital this time of year," Pandolfo said. "It’s nice to visit and just talk to them. If it helps them out for a day, it’s nice to do that."

Langenbrunner said the players are happy to try and make a difference for those who need it the most.

"Any time you’re in the hospital for a minor thing or even for those that have been in for a long time, it’s a long and scary thing for a lot of them, so it’s just a chance to help them break up the days," said the captain.

For Mike Mottau, who traveled to Overlook Hospital and Valerie Center in Summit, the expressions on the young faces are priceless.

"It’s nice to see the reaction of the kids that you go in to see," Mottau said. "They may not know who you are; they might not be a hockey fan at all, but just to have someone visiting them at a tough time in their life, it’s real fulfilling."